During the development of an oil and gas field in the Anadarko Basin, the operator faced difficulties building a curve section using a steerable motor BHA. Previous attempts to achieve the desired dogleg severity and drilling efficiency were limited by conventional bit designs, resulting in suboptimal performance and extended rig time. The operator’s primary objective was to find an innovative solution that would enhance steerability, enable aggressive dogleg building, and improve overall drilling efficiency in the curve section.
SLB recommended the 8¾-in Spyder bit, which integrates the cutting efficiency of a fixed cutter bit with the torque-reducing benefits of a roller cone design. The hybrid structure allows the roller cones to prefracture the formation, enabling the fixed cutters to shear and remove rock more efficiently. This design significantly lowers torque fluctuations and enhances directional control, making it well-suited for building aggressive curves.
The operator deployed the Spyder bit in the curve section, leveraging its advanced torque management, durability, and directional control to achieve a dogleg severity of 16°/30.48 m [16°/100 ft]. The bit consistently drilled at a higher ROP compared to offset curve runs within a 16 km [9.94 mi] radius. This successful application set a new performance benchmark for curve drilling in the Anadarko Basin.
